How AI Could Make GTA 7 Cheaper to Produce Than GTA 6
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming game development, and according to former Rockstar North technical director Obbe Vermeij, it might significantly reduce the production costs of GTA 7. In a recent appearance on the KIWI TALKZ podcast, Vermeij suggested that many time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks involved in making blockbuster games like Grand Theft Auto could soon be handled by AI — slashing budgets and speeding up timelines.
AI and Game Development: A Cost-Saving Revolution
Vermeij explained that the evolution of AI tools could automate various steps in the production pipeline, such as animating characters, scripting dialogue, and even designing scenes. In the near future, it may be possible to simply describe a moment — like a car chase or a dramatic cutscene — and have an AI system generate a rough version complete with models, lighting, and voice lines.
“All the characters in the cutscene could just be rendered by an AI, including the conversation, if you just describe the scene,” he said.
This level of automation could reduce the need for massive teams of animators, voice actors, and cinematic designers — leading to substantial savings in both time and budget.
GTA 6: A Record-Breaking Budget
GTA 6 is rumored to have cost over $2 billion to develop, making it possibly the most expensive video game ever created. But with AI tools rapidly improving, Vermeij believes that games like GTA 7 could be developed at a much lower cost — provided studios are willing to embrace new workflows and technologies.
He cautioned, however, that such predictions are still speculative:
“We’ll only know for sure once GTA 7 is actually released,” he noted, adding that the next title may not arrive for nearly a decade.
Creativity Still Needs a Human Touch
While AI can streamline technical processes, Vermeij emphasized that core creative decisions must remain in human hands. Elements like storytelling, emotional depth, and character development require intuition, culture, and lived experience — all areas where machines still fall short.
This perspective aligns with Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, who previously stated:
“Machines can’t make creative decisions for you.”
AI, in this vision, serves as a tool — not a replacement — helping human creators bring ambitious ideas to life more efficiently.
GTA 6 Is Already Using AI
Interestingly, Rockstar is already testing the waters with AI in GTA 6, set to launch in 2025. The upcoming title is expected to feature:
- Dynamic NPC behavior that responds to player actions
- AI-generated radio content that mirrors in-game events
- Procedural environments for greater variety
- Automated side missions that enhance replayability
These innovations not only enhance player immersion but also serve as a proof of concept for how AI can scale production while maintaining quality.
A New Production Model for AAA Games
The potential for AI in AAA game development goes beyond just cost savings. It can reshape the entire production process:
- Faster prototyping: AI-generated concept art, character models, and environments
- Streamlined animation: Automatic facial expressions, lip-sync, and movement
- Smarter world-building: Procedural quests, terrain, and buildings
- Dynamic narratives: NPCs that change behavior based on your decisions
When used correctly, AI could let studios build bigger, deeper, and more dynamic worlds — all while cutting down on development time and expenses.
Revenue Models Help Justify Big Budgets
Even with high development costs, the Grand Theft Auto franchise remains highly profitable, thanks to its successful live-service model. GTA Online, for instance, generates revenue long after launch through microtransactions and content updates. As Zelnick pointed out, this recurring revenue helps balance out the upfront costs of development and makes large-scale games financially sustainable in the long run.
Looking Ahead: GTA 7 and the Future of Game Development
Obbe Vermeij’s comments point to a future where GTA 7 could be made more efficiently than its predecessor, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. While AI won’t replace the creative minds behind the franchise, it can remove many of the technical bottlenecks that slow down production.
Key Takeaways:
- GTA 7 could be significantly cheaper to develop than GTA 6 thanks to AI automation.
- AI tools are advancing quickly, potentially reducing the need for massive teams.
- Creative direction will continue to rely on human talent and vision.
- GTA 6 is already testing AI features, laying the groundwork for future innovation.
- Live-service revenue models help balance massive development budgets.
As studios begin to adopt AI tools more aggressively, we may be entering a new era of game development — one where massive open worlds can be built faster, smarter, and more affordably than ever before.
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